5-Fluorouracil Alone and Associated with Irradiation in the Therapy of Tumors

Abstract

Fifty-four patients with advanced cancer were treated with 5-fluorouracil, alone in 42 cases, associated with irradiation in 12 cases. In the first group there were 4 carcinoma of the lung, 12 of the breast, 5 of the rectum, 3 of the stomach, 2 of the ovary, 2 of the urinary bladder, 1 of the kidney, 1 of the endometrium, 1 of the vulve, 1 of the pharynx, 1 of the larynx, 2 of unknown origin, 1 seminoma, and 2 reticulum-cell sarcomas. In the second group there were 8 carcinomas of the lungs, 3 of the tongue and 1 seminoma. In the first course of treatment, 40-90 mg/kg in 4-6 days were given; some cases received a total of 10-30 g in 1-2 years. Out the 54 cases, 26 (48 percent) showed objective regression of the tumors; in addition, in 45 cases (85 percent) there was subjective improvement. Severe toxicity was often observed; slow intravenous administration of 5 decreasing doses, in 5 days, gave the best tolerance and the best results. Generally, the improvement obtained with 5-FU alone lasted 4-6 weeks, but was maintained for longer periods by weekly doses of 10 mg/kg. The association with irradiation gave long improvement with small doses of X-rays, even not exceeding 2000 r. The most favourable cases were among breast and rectum carcinomas for the group treated with 5-FU alone, and among carcinomas of the lungs for the group treated also with irradiation.